IDW LANDS GI JOE COMIC LICENSE

[MattBrady]

Press Release

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) has reached an agreement with IDW Publishing, creators of the best-selling TRANSFORMERS comic book series, to launch an all-new line of G.I. JOE vs. COBRA comic books. As part of the agreement, IDW will produce a new monthly comic series, as well as deluxe reprints of the G.I. JOE property’s vast comic library, which helped catapult the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA phenomenon more than 25 years ago. IDW also has the rights for trade paperbacks and graphic novels.

The first products from this deal, a new monthly comic book series based on classic G.I. JOE vs. COBRA lore, will be launched with an introductory debut issue in October 2008. Featuring all-new storylines, the comics will portray the epic struggle of the G.I. JOE team against the evil forces of COBRA, while highlighting the brand’s favorite heroes and villains that made kids of the ‘80s today’s fans.

In 2009, IDW will also produce comic series both inspired by and based on the upcoming G.I. JOE live-action major motion picture from Paramount Pictures and Hasbro slated for August 7, 2009, as well as deluxe reprints from the vast G.I. JOE vs. COBRA comic history. The planned IDW comic book projects will be distributed to a wide audience through comic book outlets, trade bookstores and mass retailers.

“We are thrilled at the prospect of expanding our relationship with IDW. They’ve done an outstanding job with Transformers in the comic/hobby segment, national bookstores and mass market chains,” said Matt Gildea, Publishing Director, Hasbro. “IDW would bring that same expertise to the G.I. JOE brand in both new content and the existing G.I. JOE vs. COBRA library. Together, Hasbro and IDW would continue to engage G.I. JOE fans of all ages with amazing graphics and storylines.”

“G.I. JOE will be a perfect extension of the partnership we’ve developed with Hasbro over the past three years,” said Ted Adams, IDW’s President. “We are ecstatic about the opportunity to build upon the great history of the G.I. JOE brand and to present the type of entertainment and storytelling that our readers enjoy from our many licensed properties.”

[Sano]

I just hope they don't reset the storyline like they did with Transformers. I always thought it was kind of cool that Devil's Due followed Marvel's G.I. Joe continuity and even referenced it here and there.

First post! COBRA! COOOOBRAAAAA! COBRA! COOOOBRAAAAA!

[Silencer]

This is exciting news for sure! There's always at least one IDW title on my pull list at any given time and I know they'll do a great job if Transformers is any indication. I'm on the fence about reboot vs. continuation, but I'll definitely check it out no matter what they do.

As a super mega fan of GI Joe, I just pray that we get Brandon Jerwa back. I would add the great Larry Hama to that list, but I'm a little worried after his Storm Shadow series for Devil's Due. It really didn't connect with me at all. Maybe there were reasons for that beyond his control, I don't know.

I am definitely ready for the Devil's Due era to be over. They gave us some great things, but the last two years of material has been bloody awful, in my opinion.

Whatever happens, this is one fan who can't wait for a new beginning of any kind.

[stingermck]

Hard to say if they are going to reboot or not. The "all new stories" could go either way. But if DDP last issues ends that continuity at least the final story has been excellent.

I'm most excited about IDW getting reprint issues! I have the 5 Marvel trades, but I want the entire Marvel run in trades!

[mateo107]

"lice action movie"???

[durkadurka]

Originally Posted by mateo107

"lice action movie"???

I'd pay to see it.

[STL]

One thing's for sure, the comics are gonna start costing more.

I have no problem w/ a higher price IF value was being delivered. And in the case of TFs, IDW has really dropped the ball. It has picked up storywise but it's a bit too late.

I just hope GI JOE doesn't go south as IDW"s -ation series have. They started w/ more than 40K of readers (excl. #0) and dwindled down to 12K. I guess that's why they're trying All Hail Megatron.

I'll keep an eye out but i really did wish it had stayed w/ DD.

[Midas]

Mark Powers was doing a good job with the comic, so I'm sad for him at least that Devil's Due is losing the license. Hopefully IDW will bring better artwork at the very least to the line. I never really liked the Devil's Due "house" style. Having Larry Hamma back would be great. I didn't love his Storm Shadow series either, but I think it got progressively better and was hamstrung by being solely about Storm Shadow. I think the GI Joe characters generally work better as an ensemble. None really work that great on their own.

It will be a bummer having to pay $3.99 for these comics, but if they're good enough, I will do it. After all, it's only $.50 more than what Devil's Due was charging.

I'm also looking forward to the reprints. Marvel only got to Issue 50 in their trades. I'd love to see IDW get beyond that point. I might even re-buy the trades that include the issues I already have. I dig the Transformers Classic reprints from IDW...

[Dan Feeser]

The live action movie was given the full green light after the sucess of Transformers. It's on the schedule for August 7, 2009. IMDB has production shots here.

As far as the new launch. Well, I didn't care for what Devil's Due did with the property and bailed in the first year. I didn't care for what IDW did with Transformers and bailed after the second mini-series.

That said, I am VERY interested in any collections of old material they do. I was bummed when Marvel only put out the first 50 issues in trade six years ago. Hopefully, IDW will continue the collections sooner than later.

[umanumanamo]

I'm keeping my eyes on this one... I'll be on board. Congrats to IDW.

[Midas]

Originally Posted by Dan Feeser

That said, I am VERY interested in any collections of old material they do. I was bummed when Marvel only put out the first 50 issues in trade six years ago. Hopefully, IDW will continue the collections sooner than later.

I would especially love to see the Marvel rune of Special Missions collected (which I forgot to mention in my post above).

[HomerdaBorg]

Does this mean $3.99 price tag with mediocre art like the Trek line?

[skeletorjr]

Having missed out on the reprints that Marvel did several years back that collected the first 50 issues, I sincerely hope IDW decides to reissue the whole run of the 155 Marvel issues. I'd be thrilled with any format, hardback, paper or black and white 'phonebook'.

[Union Jim]

I just want to know if

a new monthly comic book series based on classic G.I. JOE vs. COBRA lore,

means it follows the continuity or is a new continuity using the same ideas.

[DephKon Prym]

YO JOE!

15th post ! (yeah it's getting old)

I agree with one poster from earlier, if DDP's story is the finale of Marvel from the 80s, then it's been a good run. But like all comics, eventually times change and the characters that I grew up with may need to grow up, and new ones take their place....

Or do they? I mean Superman has been around since the 1930s, so maybe if done right, and reintroduced correctly, my childhood heroes can remain. At GI JOE never needed magic, skrulls, or a Crisis for their continuity, and Transformers Universe kind of embraces those multiple universes.

I still want to see Batman vs Snake Eyes though ! I still want a Cool Breeze figure!

----my first GI JOE figure was: GRUNT w/o swivel arms

[Spade]

I say reboot or better yet a realignment of the universe. they don't havde to throw everything out of the window. I wouldn't be upsat if the series kept most of the Marvel series continuity and then introduced some of the Devil Due characters.

I was cool with Gi Joe until the Saw Viper killed off a truck load of joes.

Plus with the toys being hot it doesn't make sense for older guys not to be in the series.

[Sano]

Originally Posted by Midas

I'm also looking forward to the reprints. Marvel only got to Issue 50 in their trades.

Ditto. Loved the trades. The covers by Scott C. were nice too!

[Tizoc]

Originally Posted by Sano

I just hope they don't reset the storyline like they did with Transformers. I always thought it was kind of cool that Devil's Due followed Marvel's G.I. Joe continuity and even referenced it here and there.

First post! COBRA! COOOOBRAAAAA! COBRA! COOOOBRAAAAA!

I wouldn't mind either way. Tho I'd only pick it up if it is worth reading.

[Zechs]

Ugh this means their going to be overpriced aren't they like the Transformers series? I mean sure some of the stuff is good but when it's 4 bucks or over for a freakin comic monthly it's kinda hard to put that sucker on the pull.

Though if Devil's Due kills some characters during the end of World War III. Honestly they should continue. Though on the other hand they can't use some characters now that Devil Due killed some. But on the other hand I really did like Zartan's daughter, Zanya and Snake Eyes' apprentice, Kamakura.

[Predabot1]

I'm all for a reboot, and if I hear good things about it, I might just pick up a G.I Joe issue for the second time in my life.

(First time was I think by accident almost, when my mom was to buy me a mag at the age of 6, and all my usual mags, Transformers, He-man, Ghostbusters, were out of stock, so she bought an Action Force)

Originally Posted by Sano

I just hope they don't reset the storyline like they did with Transformers. I always thought it was kind of cool that Devil's Due followed Marvel's G.I. Joe continuity and even referenced it here and there.

First post! COBRA! COOOOBRAAAAA! COBRA! COOOOBRAAAAA!

Hmm... but would it be so bad if it was based on the Cartoon instead of the comic then? There's fans of the toon as well, you know...

[Weiser_Cain]

As long as there is no 'cobra lalalalalalalala'...

[SouthtownKid]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

“We are thrilled at the prospect of expanding our relationship with IDW. They’ve done an outstanding job with Transformers

Hahaha no they haven't.

[Hunter]

Originally Posted by stingermck

I have the 5 Marvel trades, but I want the entire Marvel run in trades!

Agreed! I wonder if they'll continue to do 10 issue chunks, or if they'll go for "storyline" reprints?

[DaVeO]

Originally Posted by skeletorjr

Having missed out on the reprints that Marvel did several years back that collected the first 50 issues, I sincerely hope IDW decides to reissue the whole run of the 155 Marvel issues. I'd be thrilled with any format, hardback, paper or black and white 'phonebook'.

Unfortunatly 51-155 definitly started to take a nosedive in quality. Not due to Larry's writing skills, but to the fact he had to squeeze in a bunch of new lame characters with little focus on them. Anybody remember Sneak Peek? A dude who carried around a field periscope!? What was Hasbro thinking?

[nwspencer]

WOW!!!

Congrats to everyone at IDW-- exciting news!